England on the Hunt for a New Manager: Potential Replacements for Gareth Southgate
After Gareth Southgate’s resignation as England manager following their defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, the Football Association (FA) is now tasked with finding a suitable replacement. Southgate leaves behind an impressive legacy, having led England to the Euro 2020 final, a World Cup semi-final, and a World Cup quarter-final. Let’s take a look at some of the potential candidates for the job and consider who could be the best fit.
Lee Carsley, the current England Under-21 manager, may not be the most obvious choice, but he is well-regarded within the FA. Carsley won the European Under-21 Championship last summer and could serve as an interim manager until a big name becomes available next summer. The 50-year-old has previously held talks about becoming the Republic of Ireland manager but chose to stay with the under-21s instead.
Pep Guardiola, the successful Manchester City boss, has long been rumored as a future international manager. Managing England would undoubtedly excite many fans. With his track record of winning trophies at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, Guardiola may be seeking a new challenge next summer. However, his current contract with City runs until 2025, and his high wages could be a stumbling block.
Eddie Howe, the Newcastle manager, is another English candidate who has impressed in the past. His tenure at Bournemouth showcased his managerial abilities, and he has further enhanced his reputation at Newcastle by leading them to the Champions League in the 2023-24 season. While Howe is tied to a long-term contract until 2027, it would be hard for him to turn down the opportunity to manage England if it arose.
Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, is an intriguing option if the FA is open to attracting a foreign name. Though he recently stepped down at Anfield and desires a break, Klopp could be a contender if the FA is willing to wait. Currently linked to the vacant United States job and as a possible successor for Julian Nagelsmann in Germany, Klopp’s passion for football in England makes him a serious candidate.
Mauricio Pochettino, the former Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea boss, is another high-profile foreign manager currently out of work. He was heavily linked with Manchester United before Erik ten Hag’s contract extension. Pochettino has expressed his desire to become Southgate’s successor, and his London residence makes him an attractive option. Having left Chelsea by mutual consent in May, Pochettino is ready to jump back into football without needing a break.
Graham Potter, the former Brighton manager, is a favorite among bookmakers due to his impressive three-year stint at the club. Although his reputation took a hit when he was sacked by Chelsea after less than seven months in charge, Potter remains one of English football’s most respected coaches. The question remains whether he would choose an international job over a club role, but the England job would likely be too big to turn down.
Thomas Tuchel, the highly-rated manager who recently left Bayern Munich, is also looking for work this summer. Known for helping Chelsea win the Champions League in 2021, Tuchel has managed top clubs like Paris St-Germain and Borussia Dortmund. He is open to a return to English football and reportedly came close to replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United before they decided to stick with the Dutchman. While Tuchel may be considered an outsider among the other candidates, sources close to him have expressed his interest in the role.
Other names that could be considered include Kieran McKenna, the Ipswich manager who is gaining a reputation as one of the country’s best coaches, and former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard. Middlesbrough coach Michael Carrick, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, and ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho are also being mentioned as potential candidates.
In conclusion, the FA has a wide pool of potential managers to choose from as they seek to fill Gareth Southgate’s shoes. Whether they opt for an experienced international manager, a successful club manager, or a rising star in coaching, the decision will have a significant impact on the future of English football. It remains to be seen who will be appointed as the next England manager, but one thing is certain: they will inherit a team with high expectations and a passionate fan base.